Towards optimal designs for hedgerow olive orchards

Abstract

An analysis of row height, row width, canopy slope, and alley width of hedgerow olive orchards was conducted to identify combinations that maximise productivity while allowing access to machinery for management. This objective requires maximising both the interception of incident solar radiation and its distribution over the canopy surface for productivity. For maximum productivity, all foliage must be illuminated above threshold values for the critical step in the shoot growth - floral initiation - flowering - fruit formation - fruit filling reproductive sequence. The key sites for adequate illumination are the bases of the canopy walls. For canopies with row height and alley width combinat..